Produced by #bossbabesATX, SHE TALKS is an ongoing discussion-based personal and professional development series, tackling topics from finances to intersectional feminism. These talks are open to all genders.

In this session, we have gathered experts and community members invested in diversity and inclusion to discuss the lack of representation for women of color and identify solutions and strategies for creating inclusive spaces. How can we—as community members, as women who work in various industries—prioritize and uplift diverse voices? What’s the hold up?

— About the BBATX Diversity and Inclusion Survey —

How are you treated at work? At #bbatx, we want to know. Through our new Diversity and Inclusion survey, we hope to better understand the differences among our shared experiences as women and nonbinary people in the workplace. Your answers will not only frame our SHE TALKS discussion on Monday, June 25, but they will also be used to paint a more objective picture about diversity and inclusion in professional spaces. (All professions are welcome to contribute.) We will share the conclusions of this survey on our blog and on July 24 at SHE TALKS: A Candid Conversation About Race, so stay tuned! 🌀

[Major shouts to our research team, led by committee member Sarah Kettles, for championing this data-driven process.]

— MEET THE SPEAKERS —

Sheena Moore [MODERATOR] Sheena is a Recruiting Coordinator for a major tech company. She has been featured as a BossBabe Local Gem for her entrepreneurial work with Sheena's Pickles. Sheena has also been a part of a number of #bbatx events. This includes 40 Things Women Can Do to Get Ahead in Work and Ventures, an event held in collaboration with the Masters of Science in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) program at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. This event inspired Sheena to apply for the MSTC program, which she completed, earning her degree in 2017. Having lived in Austin for over 14 years Sheena has worked for various non-profits, including AmeriCorps Corporation for National and Community Service as well as Humanities Texas, which is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Sheena strongly believes that diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of any community or organization and hopes that continued dialogue will highlight the invaluable contributions of women from all backgrounds.

Nefertitti Jackmon [PANELIST] Nefertitti Jackmon is the Executive Director of Six Square, Austin’s African American Cultural District. With more than a 20-year career in operations, program management and consulting in the nonprofit sector, Nefertitti has worked primarily with community-based organizations to cultivate, preserve and promote African-American culture. As a student of African-American studies, she understands the vital importance of building institutions that value and celebrate the African-American aesthetic.

Raquel Peña [PANELIST] Owner and operator of Merch Gal, Raquel Peña has worked in the music industry since 2000 beginning in radio. Raquel continues to work in all facets of the industry, including event production management, tour merchandising, and tour management. She is also a member of Chulita Vinyl Club’s Austin chapter.

Monique Parker [PANELIST] Monique Parker has worked for some of Austin’s largest tech companies, including Indeed and Dropbox. In her roles at both companies, Parker was dedicated to solutions and strategies around improving diversity and inclusion.

Aimy Steadman [PANELIST] Aimy is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer for BeatBox Beverages. She is a double-Longhorn, earning both her B.S. in Advertising and M.B.A. at the University of Texas at Austin. Aimy co-founded BeatBox while pursuing her MBA in entrepreneurship. Her past experience includes working in online marketing at agencies and in-house at the Central TX Food Bank, running her own online marketing agency, and helping run the UT-based start-up incubator Texas Venture Labs.

— GRAB A TICKET —

Tickets for this session are $5 and contribute toward the event's production costs.

— MEET THE PRODUCERS —

About #bossbabesATX: Through event series, showcases and personal/professional development programs, we've provided a platform of visibility, outreach and financial opportunity to 1500+ Texas-based women and nonbinary creatives, entrepreneurs and community organizers. We make space to catalyze multi-industry coalitions, share our crafts, seek help and provide each other with practical and emotional resources. There is power in our shared experiences. We were named "Best Bossy Babes" of 2015 by The Austin Chronicle, were selected by The White House to attend the United State of Women Summit in June 2016 and inducted into the City of Austin's Hall of Fame in 2017. Learn more at bossbabes.org/bossbabesatx